Windows installation files have doubled in size over the last decade, with recent growth driven by the inclusion of large AI models in cumulative updates.

Windows installation files have grown significantly, with download sizes doubling to over 8 GB in the last 10 years. Analysis by former Microsoft deployment expert Michael Niehaus indicates that recent versions of Windows 11 have added nearly 6,000 folders and over 20,000 files. This expansion is largely attributed to the inclusion of 3 GB of shared AI models intended for Copilot+ PCs, which are downloaded even on systems that lack the necessary hardware to utilize them.

Impact on system storage

The increasing size of Windows presents challenges for systems with limited storage, such as the 64 GB minimum requirement set by Microsoft. Testing showed that a fresh installation of Windows 11, including updates, consumes approximately 28.2 GB of space, leaving little room for applications or user data. Experts suggest that 128 GB should be considered a minimum for practical use, while professional workloads require significantly more.

Distribution of AI components

A primary concern is that these large AI-related code segments are delivered through monthly cumulative updates via Windows Update. Critics suggest that Microsoft could mitigate this by moving these components to the Microsoft Store. This approach would allow for more efficient management, ensuring that large files are only downloaded when necessary and potentially avoiding the need for system restarts during updates.